Loyola (10-2) has the Valley’s most prolific win to date with its 65-59 upset of No. 5 Florida on Nov. 6. Behind the play of senior Aundre Jackson, who is averaging 13.2 points per game and converting 64 percent of his shots, the Ramblers are off to their best start since the 1965-66 season.

On the other side of the ledger, the Bears have logged 10 non-conference victories prior to Christmas for just the third time since the 1996-97 season (2006-07 and 2009-10). The MVC preseason favorites play a solid brand of defense, dominate on the glass and have a deep rotation of nine upperclassmen that may not be rivaled by any Valley club.

The Bears also have history on their side, having accumulated a 24-3 all-time record in Valley home openers, including an 8-1 mark at JQH Arena. MSU is also 5-1 in conference openers under head coach Paul Lusk.

Bleacher tickets for Friday’s game are $5, and good seats are available in all price ranges at MissouriStateBears.com or visiting the JQH Arena Box Office, 417-836-7678. The box office opens at 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday.

Football Bears ink 13 early commitments

Missouri State head football coach Dave Steckel announced the receipt of National Letters of Intent from 13 new recruits for the 2018 season Wednesday as part of the new early signing period allowed in college football (See story, Page 1D).

“With the new early signing period, we’re ecstatic to get some great commitments from this first recruiting wave with some outstanding players who will contribute to our program’s future success,” said Steckel. “After the holidays, the Bear Blitz will be back on the road in January to finish the job for the February signing day.”

From Wednesday’s commitments, Steckel’s fourth recruiting class at Missouri State includes three junior college defensive linemen, two offensive line transfers and a juco tight end. From the prep ranks, the Bears have added a pair of running backs, a tight end, a receiver, two linebackers and a safety. Five of the 13 additions are from the state of Missouri.

Fan bus for MVC women’s tournament

MSU Lady Bears fans can now reserve a spot on the fan bus for the 2018 Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament, March 8-11, in Moline, Illinois.

With a non-refundable $50 deposit per person, fans can reserve their spot on the bus and hotel stay at the team hotel in the Quad Cities. The hotel room rate is $89.99 per night, which includes breakfast.

The deadline to return a completed reservation form and deposit to the MSU BearsFund is Feb. 12. For questions or to obtain a reservation form, call 417-836-4143.